noun Uncommon

tombstone

TOOMS-tohn

Tombstone (noun) means a stone slab or marker placed at a grave, usually inscribed with the deceased's name and dates. Example: “The tombstone was worn smooth by centuries of weather.”

noun

A stone slab or marker placed at a grave, usually inscribed with the deceased's name and dates.

"The tombstone was worn smooth by centuries of weather."

verb

To jump feet-first from a cliff or high point into water below, entering vertically (British slang).

"A group of teenagers were tombstoning off the harbour wall."

name

A historic city in Cochise County, Arizona, known for the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

"Tourists flock to Tombstone to see re-enactments of the famous shootout."

How to use tombstone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA grave marker, or (in British slang) the risky act of jumping into water from a height.

Common pairings

carved tombstone tombstoning off a cliff

Word forms

tombstoned past tense, tombstones plural, tombstones singular

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Fill the gap

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The _____ was worn smooth by centuries of weather.

Etymology

From "tomb" plus "stone."

Rhymes for tombstone

one bone done gone none tone lone hone cone zone stone phone

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Frequently asked questions

What does “tombstone” mean?

The word “tombstone” means a stone slab or marker placed at a grave, usually inscribed with the deceased's name and dates. In plain terms, a grave marker, or (in British slang) the risky act of jumping into water from a height.

How do you pronounce “tombstone”?

“Tombstone” is pronounced TOOMS-tohn (/ˈtuːmstoʊn/ in IPA).

How do you use “tombstone” in a sentence?

Here is “tombstone” used in a sentence: “The tombstone was worn smooth by centuries of weather.”

What part of speech is “tombstone”?

Depending on how it is used, “tombstone” can be a noun, a verb and a name.

Is “tombstone” a common word?

“Tombstone” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “tombstone” have?

“Tombstone” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stone slab or marker placed at a grave, usually inscribed with the deceased's name and dates.